Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)Looking to lose that spare tire? Ideal weight 200+? Frustrated being a large cyclist in a sport geared for the ultra-light? Learn about the bikes and parts that can take the abuse of a heavier cyclist, how to keep your body going while losing the weight, and get support from others who've been successful.

Nothing against PB, but I feel like the brands at PB have less of a dealer restriction that the other brands require. You have to buy them in store. From my understanding, most of the big manufacturers want you to patronize the LBS, so there is no online sales allowed. For a company like PB, the dealer restriction would hamper the online/mail order business dramatically, so they carry brands such as GT and FUJI that allow online sales, not necessarily because of trustworthiness or quality. My 0.02 cents.

+1

True.

However, my point was that Performance stands behind their products. Also, you get to actually test ride the bike, before you take possession. If there are any functional issues after sale, Performance will refund the buyer.

You might also want to reconsider getting a bike with shocks on it. Especially with people like us, we tend to start "pumping" the shocks as we pedal, making it less efficient and more tiring. Yes, having to do more work is better for us trying to lose weight, but it can be discouraging. A nice CX bike, as others have mentioned, would be a good choice.

You might also want to reconsider getting a bike with shocks on it. Especially with people like us, we tend to start "pumping" the shocks as we pedal, making it less efficient and more tiring. Yes, having to do more work is better for us trying to lose weight, but it can be discouraging. A nice CX bike, as others have mentioned, would be a good choice.

+1 ... suspension, unless you're rolling single track, is NO friend to a clyde.

It sounds to me like going with a "dual sport" or "trekking" bike, or whatever name different manufacturers use could be better for your riding mix than a mountain bike.

My rail trail rider could do the job well enough for me on easy off road trails, and it is a Trek 7.3 FX (fitness bike type of hybrid) with a new set of 40mm cyclocross tires (which barely fit). In my case, I also upgraded the wheels for reliability, but that is because much of my riding is in the middle of nowhere, so I equip myself in a relatively paranoid manner.

Of course, the last time I did any real mountain biking was before Mr. Breeze invented the mountain bike, when I just rode my 3 speed cruiser through the trails in the woods in Washington state. I wish I had a picture of that beast... I miss it.

Donít allow anyone to dissuade you from purchasing the bike of your preference. Just as mountain bikes arenít for everyone, the same holds true for road bikes.

I own a lightweight (21.4 pounds) Trek 2.1 road bike, but I still prefer riding my portly (36, 35, & 32 pound) mountain bikes, which explains why my road bikeís odometer only has 586 miles on it years later whereas my portly mountain bikes have a total of just over 5,000 miles and theyíre all road miles.

In fact, on August 24, 2013 (at age 57), I rode my upgraded 35 pound 2012 Trek Wahoo 29er hardtail (no lockout feature) with 29Ē x 2.1 Continental street tires on my first 200-mile ride. It was ďto and fromĒ Jim Thorpe, PA (just over 10,000 feet of climbing) and I immensely enjoyed that ride! I can hardly wait to do it again this year and Iíll again be riding my 29er hardtail.

However, I may mount a set of 700 x 32 tires this time around to reduce overall energy requirements on such a long ride. I already have the new 700 x 32 tires, but admittedly, itís hard to willingly remove those large volume 29Ē x 2.1 tires, as they provide a great ride.

The 29Ē x 2.1 street tires are heavy (915 grams each, but not a concern to me on century rides or shorter commuting distances) whereas the 700 x 32 tires are lighter (481 grams each) and since the 32ís also use smaller inner tubes, each wheel will weigh roughly 1.5 pounds less for a 3 pound reduction in static bike weight as well as a 3 pound reduction in rotating wheel mass. Itíll definitely make a noticeable difference that can be appreciated over a 200-mile ride distance. Iíll simply remount the 29Ē x 2.1 tires after I return from that 200-mile ride.

Man that's AWESOME! Thanks for the input! I'm gonna get the Breezer. Good components and getting it for $722! Only better deal I found was a 2013 Fuji Nevada 1.3 ($599) but have to travel an hour and 15 minutes to Performance Bikes.

The Breezer has the same specs as the Fuji (Joe Breezer designed Fuji's frame) but with a few upgraded components. I'll be in good shape with it. But need to get a set road tires so I can hit the roads, dirt, light or gravel pathways. Again thanks...happy riding!!

my post was never meant to change your mind one way or the other, just wish the sales guy had shown me some more options. I should have done some more research too. I have the Gary Fisher Mamba and its a great bike but now I know a little more about what I like. Riding the Mamba in June in the Hilly Billy Roubaix, 70 miles through the mountains. Next bike, CX. Enjoy your new bike and get out there!

Roosterbird...your post and some of the other posts just made me look at other options. I even looked at some Trek bikes.

I like the ride of the Breezer and component value against other bikes in the $699 -$949 range (on and off sale). I was looking for the best bang for the buck! I'm sure once I start cycling and get some miles on the saddle, my next bike choice(s) will be more from experience. Thanks for the input!!

Pulled the trigger on the Breezer...got a 18.5" instead of the in-stock 19.5"! Should arrive next Tuesday! Thinking of putting some 700cX40mm on it for local riding and keep the MTB tires for rough terrain rides.

Pulled the trigger on the Breezer...got a 18.5" instead of the in-stock 19.5"! Should arrive next Tuesday! Thinking of putting some 700cX40mm on it for local riding and keep the MTB tires for rough terrain rides.